julieturkewitzVerified account

...that the Pittsburgh attack last year had rattled her congregation, but that she had not expected a community “in the middle of nowhere Colorado” to be a target.

“But,” she said, “that’s our new reality — it’s that anybody can be a target.”

The arrest of the man in Colorado marks the 13th time since the 2018 Pittsburgh attack that authorities have apprehended someone for allegedly plotting attacks or making threats against a Jewish community, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

The temple was built in 1900; some families in the congregation trace their roots in the community back generations.

The youngest congregant is a newborn; the oldest is nearly 100. Just 2 wks ago, Rabbi Birdie Becker watched as 5 children were honored as new temple students, and were given Torah scrolls and chocolate candy during a Sabbath service.

It's worth noting that Pueblo, Colo., the site of the alleged synagogue bomb plot, is divided politically and the temple is made up of people from across the political spectrum.